JP2008302658A - Inkjet cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inkjet cartridge, in which an absorbing body is housed in one space and ink is held in the other space, and further ink is kept in sealed condition during shipping the inkjet cartridge. <P>SOLUTION: The inkjet cartridge 301 has an ink tank part 103 for holding the ink, a recording head part 104 for discharging the ink held, and an ink feeding path 150 connecting between the ink tank part 103 and the recording head part 104. Further, a seal member 118 for hermetically sealing the ink feeding path 150 is arranged in the ink tank part side of the ink feeding path 150. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink jet cartridge in which an ink tank portion and a recording head portion are integrally formed or combined to form a single member.

  As an ink tank used in the ink jet recording apparatus, there is an ink jet cartridge provided with a recording head. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the ink jet cartridge is integrally formed with a recording head unit 801 having an ejection port 804 that ejects ink and an ink tank unit 802 that stores ink to be supplied to the recording head unit 801. It is what. In the ink tank portion 802, an absorber 803 into which ink has permeated is stored. The absorber 803 is formed of a sponge or the like. The recording head unit 801 and the ink tank unit 802 are integrated with each other and can be attached to and detached from the holder on the ink jet recording apparatus side.

  When such an ink jet cartridge is in a format compatible with recording by color printing, for example, it may be necessary to eject three or more types of ink corresponding to three or more colors. At this time, as positions and arrangements of the discharge ports formed in the recording head unit, it is easier to manufacture in terms of process if they are collected on as few semiconductor substrates as possible. When the positional relationship between multiple nozzle rows corresponding to multiple colors is to be formed with high precision (in micron units), it is possible to manufacture while maintaining the positional relationship between the nozzle rows by arranging each color nozzle on one substrate. Because it is done. Therefore, even in a nozzle row corresponding to a plurality of colors, color misregistration between the colors is difficult to occur at the time of landing. For this reason, a method of arranging a plurality of colors on one semiconductor substrate is adopted.

  However, when a plurality of inks coexist with one recording head portion while the ink tank and the recording head are formed as one member, the consumption amount may differ between different color inks. Accordingly, even if inks of other colors remain sufficiently, it is necessary to replace the ink jet cartridge containing all the colors of ink because the ink of one color has disappeared.

  On the other hand, there is also known a so-called ink jet cartridge in which the recording head portion of the ink jet cartridge is separated for each color and the ink tank portion and the recording head portion are integrally formed. When the recording head portion is configured for each color as in the ink jet cartridge, the ink can be used up to the end of each color, so that the ink use efficiency is increased. Further, since the amount of waste ink is reduced, the influence on the environment can be reduced.

  However, on the other hand, the volumetric efficiency, which is the ratio of the volume for containing ink to the entire volume of the ink jet cartridge, decreases, and the size becomes relatively larger than the ink jet cartridge of the same ink capacity. End up. In the system in which an absorber such as a sponge is accommodated in each ink tank portion of the ink jet cartridge, according to the study by the inventors, the usable ink amount is about 50% of the volume of the ink tank portion.

  Also in this type of ink jet cartridge, the absorber holds the ink and generates a negative pressure appropriate for the ink reaching the nozzles in the recording head portion by the capillary force on the unevenness of the surface of the absorber. By generating a negative pressure in the recording head portion in this way, ink is prevented from leaking from the recording head portion except during recording. As a means for generating the negative pressure in the recording head unit, there is an ink jet recording apparatus system that uses a water head difference in addition to this system. However, with this method, it is necessary to dispose the ink tank at a position higher than the ejection port surface where the ejection ports are formed, so it is difficult to mount the ink jet cartridge on the carriage with this structure. Further, since it is necessary to supply ink from the ink tank portion to the recording head portion with a tube, the structure becomes complicated and the manufacturing cost becomes high.

  On the other hand, as a method for forming a negative pressure inside the recording head, there is a means for generating a negative pressure by a mechanical regulator device, apart from these methods. However, it is technically difficult to keep generating the negative pressure (-100 Pa to -3000 Pa) required for the ink jet recording apparatus with high accuracy, and the number of parts tends to increase. . Further, the portion for generating the negative pressure is increased, and the volume occupied by the portion in the ink jet cartridge is increased, so that the ratio of the ink tank portion for storing ink is decreased. In addition, it is necessary to separately prepare an ink reservoir that does not leak ink from the recording head even if the posture or environment changes.

  As another method, ink is stored in a bag formed of a flexible film inside the housing, and a spring is placed inside the bag containing the ink so that the shape of the bag is maintained by the spring. The method of adjusting the pressure of the is used. According to the ink jet cartridge of this system, it is possible to generate a negative pressure in the ink storing portion at the same time as storing the ink. However, this type of ink jet cartridge requires a high manufacturing cost because it has a large number of parts and requires a delicate and flexible bag to generate a stable negative pressure. Unless it is a model that uses precipitated pigment ink or a recording device that is applied to other special purposes, the cost does not match and there are few merits to adopt this type of ink jet cartridge. When a sedimentary pigment ink is used, since the pigment component of the ink sinks to the bottom, a mechanism for stirring the ink is required. According to the ink jet cartridge of this system, there is an advantage that a space for stirring the ink is secured in the ink storage portion. Accordingly, the ink can be ejected after stirring the pigment ink that has settled.

  As one means for solving these problems, an absorber is accommodated in one space, ink is accommodated in the other space, and the space between them is separated by a partition wall, and a communication portion is formed in a part of the partition wall. There is an ink tank of the done type. This type of ink tank is called a so-called semi-life disposal type. The amount of ink that can be used in the form of such an ink tank reaches about 70% or more of the tank volume, and has a relatively high volumetric efficiency.

  One form of a conventional ink tank in this system is shown in FIG. The absorber chamber 903 houses an absorber 907 that absorbs and holds ink. An air communication port 905 for taking in outside air is formed in a part of the wall surface of the ink tank absorber chamber 903 far from the recording head. Further, in a portion of the absorber chamber 903 close to the recording head, a supply port 906 for supplying ink to the recording head, and ink of the absorber 907 near the supply port 906 with a higher capillary force than the absorber 907. A pressure contact member 908 is arranged to guide and gather. The pressure contact member 908 has a function of delivering ink to a capillary part (for example, a high density filter) for taking in ink disposed in an ink flow path from the ink tank portion toward the recording head. In a state where the ink tank 900 is placed on the carriage, a negative pressure can be generated by the capillary force of the absorber 907 and the pressure contact member 908. This prevents ink from leaking from the ejection port.

  Thus, the ink tank 900 of the type in which the absorber is stored in one space and the ink is stored in the other space enables stable ink supply, and forms a negative pressure inside the recording head. Simple structure and fewer parts. Therefore, the manufacturing cost in the ink tank can be reduced. Further, in this system, the container of the ink storage unit 901 is made transparent, and an optical means such as a reflecting prism 902 is disposed inside the container so that the presence or absence or remaining amount of ink can be confirmed. There are advantages.

  However, ink tanks based on this method have been studied by the inventors and have been adopted and sold in many ink tanks. However, due to their structure and properties, it is necessary to pay attention to the form of distribution.

  This type of ink tank 900 is shipped in a state where the ink storage unit 901 and the absorber chamber 903 are filled with ink at the factory or the like. However, in the state of physical distribution from shipment to the user's hand, the ink in the ink tank is exposed to an unstable state due to vibration caused by conveyance and change in atmospheric pressure temperature during storage, Ink may leak out.

  In particular, the flow of air from the absorber chamber 903 to the ink reservoir 901 occurs due to fluctuations in the volume of ink due to, for example, repeated ink freezing and thawing. At this time, the direction of ink flow is unidirectional. When a flow occurs, the ink flows from the absorber chamber 903 to the ink storage portion 901. Then, the ink reservoir 901 is replaced with air, and instead the ink flows into the absorber chamber 903. When the ink in the absorber chamber 903 becomes excessive, the absorber 907 is finally completely immersed in the ink. When the absorber 907 is immersed in ink, the capillary force is lost. At that time, if the ink tank including the ejection port of the recording head unit is not sealed, there is a possibility that the ink leaks to the outside.

  When distributing an ink tank in which the absorber is stored in one space and the ink is stored in the other space, in order to prevent such problems, the ink tank is strictly sealed to prevent leakage. It is required to be done. As shown in FIG. 10, the atmosphere communication port 905 is closed by a seal 909, and a cap 910 having an elastomer 911 disposed on the inner surface is attached to the supply port 906.

  As described above, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-133707 discloses a means for preventing ink leakage from the ejection port in the recording head unit. In Patent Document 1, for example, a spherical valve body formed of a resin or a metal material is disposed in an ink flow path between an ink tank unit and a recording head unit while being biased by a spring, and the valve body slides. Thus, a valve that regulates the flow of ink is disclosed. However, since the opening / closing operation direction of the valve is parallel to the ink flow direction, it is difficult to reliably open / close the valve with a simple structure and simple operation in the sealed flow path. .

  Further, as described above, the environment around the ink tank may greatly change during distribution. Accordingly, there is a possibility that the pressure inside the ink tank portion also varies greatly depending on the surrounding environment. Further, the air around the ink tank may permeate through the wall surface of the ink tank and enter the ink tank portion while being exposed to the physical distribution state for a long time. As a result, the pressure inside the ink tank portion becomes high, and if the inside of the ink tank portion is sealed, the seal may be peeled off by the internal pressure of the ink tank portion.

  In this regard, Patent Document 2 discloses an ink jet cartridge in which a hydrophobic film is disposed at an air communication port and gas permeation is allowed through the air communication port, but liquid circulation is not allowed. Since the permeation of gas is allowed through the atmosphere communication port, the internal air can be discharged according to the pressure in the ink tank portion, and the internal pressure can be adjusted. However, in order to maintain the function as such a hydrophobic film, water repellency with respect to ink is required. However, it is recognized that the water repellency deteriorates when the hydrophobic film continues to be exposed to ink or the vapor of the evaporated ink during a long period of physical distribution. Since it can be considered that several years or more may be passed as the distribution period of the ink jet cartridge, there is a problem that this hydrophobic film cannot be adopted unless it is sufficiently confirmed whether the water repellency can withstand the distribution period.

JP-A-5-254138 JP-A-8-118676

  By the way, in an ink tank in which an absorber is formed in one space and ink is accommodated in the other space, a form of an ink jet cartridge in which an ink tank portion and a recording head portion are integrally formed can be considered. In this type of ink jet cartridge, a negative pressure is formed with a simple structure by an absorber formed by a sponge or the like. When an ink jet cartridge of this type is used, a seal tape may be applied to cover the discharge port of the recording head unit in order to prevent ink leakage caused by an unstable environment during distribution. Conceivable.

  However, a seal tape having a high adhesive force cannot be employed in a form in which the ink tank portion and the recording head portion are formed as one member. That is, in this type of ink jet recording apparatus, the discharge port diameter of the recording head portion of the ink jet cartridge is generally very small. If you try to apply a seal tape that prevents ink from leaking from the outlet during logistics, the seal tape will have an adhesive strength that can cope with changes in the internal pressure of the ink tank during a long logistics period. Desired. Therefore, it is required that a sufficient amount of paste is applied to the surface to which the seal tape is applied. However, when the seal tape is applied so as to cover the discharge port, it is conceivable that the paste applied to the application surface of the seal tape enters the discharge port and remains in the discharge port as it is.

  Also, generally, high strength is not ensured in the area around the ejection opening in the recording head unit. Accordingly, when a seal tape having such a strong adhesive force is applied around the discharge port, there is a risk that the discharge port periphery of the recording head unit may be deformed when the seal tape is peeled off at the stage of use. Therefore, when sticking a seal tape around the discharge port of the recording head unit, the adhesive force cannot be increased and the adhesive force is set weakly. As described above, it is difficult to prevent the ink from leaking from the ejection port by forming the sealing structure by applying the seal tape so as to cover the ejection port of the recording head unit.

  In addition, because of this, the seal tape that is applied to cover the periphery of the discharge port is not applied with a very strong adhesive force. Therefore, if the pressure inside the ink tank increases, the seal tape peels off during distribution. As a result, ink leakage may occur. As described above, since the adhesive strength of the seal tape is not high, an ink jet cartridge in which the ink tank portion and the recording head portion are formed as one member can withstand an unstable environment during distribution. In some cases, ink leakage may occur.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge for distribution of an ink jet cartridge in which an ink tank portion having a storage portion for an absorber and an ink storage portion and a recording head portion are integrated. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet cartridge that does not leak.

  According to the ink jet cartridge of the present invention, the ink tank unit that stores ink, the recording head unit that is supplied with the ink stored in the ink tank unit and discharges the supplied ink, the ink tank unit, In an ink jet cartridge, which is provided in each of the recording head units, and has each ink supply path member for connecting the ink tank unit and the recording head unit and supplying ink from the ink tank unit to the recording head unit The ink supply path member on the ink tank portion side and the ink supply path member on the recording head portion side are arranged so that a seal member is sandwiched between them.

  According to the present invention, the ink sealed state is maintained in the ink jet cartridge during physical distribution exposed to an unstable environment, so that the ink accommodated in the ink jet cartridge is exposed to the outside during physical distribution. Leakage can be suppressed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent ink from adhering to the periphery of the ink jet cartridge when the ink jet cartridge is opened or used. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the ink from adhering to the user, and the ink jet recording apparatus can be handled comfortably. Further, since the ink adheres to the periphery of the recording head portion, it is possible to suppress a decrease in ink landing accuracy, and the ink is ejected with high landing accuracy. Therefore, the quality of the image obtained by recording is kept high. Further, it is possible to prevent the recording head portion from corroding due to ink adhering to the recording head portion for a long period of time. Therefore, the durability of the ink jet cartridge can be improved.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an operation state of an ink jet cartridge in which an ink tank and a recording head portion applied in the first embodiment of the present invention are formed as one member. Since the ink jet cartridge shown in FIG. 1 is in an operating state, seal members for closing a recording head portion, an ink supply port, and an air communication port, which will be described later, have already been peeled off and are not attached here. .

  An ink jet cartridge 101 shown in FIG. 1 has an ink tank portion 103 and a recording head portion 104. In the present embodiment, the ink tank unit 103 and the recording head unit 104 are coupled to each other after being manufactured. Note that the ink tank portion 103 and the recording head portion 104 may be integrally formed. These may be integrated or combined to form a single member inkjet cartridge 101. At this time, if the ink tank unit 103 and the recording head unit 104 are combined and assembled later, they are combined and assembled during distribution. The ink tank unit 103 supplies ink to the recording head unit 104 while storing ink. In the recording head unit 104, the ejection port 102 is formed at a position facing the recording medium at the tip. The ink jet cartridge 101 includes an ink supply path 150 that supplies the ink stored in the ink tank unit 103 to the recording head unit 104 between the ink tank unit 103 and the recording head unit 104. In addition, the inkjet cartridge 101 is provided with a wiring 105 for transmitting electrical energy and an electrical signal for ejecting ink from the ejection port 102 from the outside.

  The ink tank unit 103 includes an absorber chamber 107 that holds the absorber 106 immersed in ink, and an ink storage unit 108 for replenishing the absorber chamber 107 with ink. The absorber 106 has a large number of holes on the surface, and a meniscus at the discharge port 102 is stably formed by the negative pressure generated by the capillary force generated by the holes.

  The ink storage unit 108 in the ink tank unit 103 communicates with the absorber chamber 107 through an ink flow path 109. In the present embodiment, the ink reservoir 108 does not have a passage that communicates with other spaces except that the ink flow passage 109 communicates with the absorber chamber 107. An ink supply port 110 for supplying ink from the absorber chamber 107 to the recording head unit 104 is formed at a position near the recording head unit 104 in the absorber chamber 107. In addition, a pressure contact member 111 having a higher capillary force than the absorber 106 is disposed in a portion of the ink flow path downstream of the ink absorber 106 while being regulated so as to move only in the same direction as the ink ejection direction. ing. An air communication port 112 communicating with the outside of the ink jet cartridge 101 is formed at a position of the absorber chamber 107 opposite to the ink supply port 110.

  The pressure contact member 111 is in pressure contact with the absorber 106 having an elastic action, and thereby, a capillary force larger than that of the absorber 106 is generated, and a further negative pressure is formed. The pressure member 111 is restricted in movement in the horizontal direction, but is movable in the same direction as the ink ejection direction, and is pushed by the absorber 106 to the outside of the ink tank portion 103. Power is working.

  The recording head unit 104 has an inkjet chip 114. The ink jet chip 114 is formed of a semiconductor substrate, and has fine discharge ports 102 formed by a photolithography technique, and ink channels for supplying ink to the discharge ports 102. The ejection port 102 is opened so that the ink supplied from the ink tank unit 103 can be ejected. A plurality of fine heaters as electrothermal resistors are arranged at positions corresponding to the respective discharge ports 102. The heater is disposed on the inkjet chip 114, converts electrical energy into thermal energy, gives thermal energy to the ink, and ejects it as droplets. In order to supply electric energy to the heater, an electrode pad 115 is disposed at a position corresponding to the electrode disposed on the carriage of the ink jet recording apparatus main body. Further, in order to transmit the electricity supplied from the carriage on the ink jet recording apparatus main body to the electrode pad 115 on the ink jet cartridge 101 side to the heater of the ink jet chip 114, a wiring 105 is disposed between the electrode pad 115 and the heater. ing. A hole through which ink flows is formed in a part of the semiconductor substrate in the inkjet chip 114, and ink is supplied from the ink tank unit 103 to the inkjet chip 114 through the hole.

  The ink storage unit 108 is provided with a reflecting prism 113 for displaying the presence or absence or remaining amount of ink by optical means. The ink tank portion 103 is formed of a transparent resin typified by polypropylene. The refractive index of the ink is much closer to the refractive index of the transparent resin than the refractive index of air. When the reflecting prism 113 is formed on the inner surface of the ink reservoir 108, the presence or absence of ink can be determined by the presence or absence of light reflection by the reflecting prism 113. This is because if recording becomes impossible due to running out of ink in the middle of recording on a single recording medium, the recording medium spent in the middle of recording and the time required for the recording are wasted. This is provided in order to avoid inconvenience.

  In the ink jet cartridge according to the present embodiment, an ink storage unit 108 that stores ink and an absorber chamber 107 that stores the absorber 106 are separately formed in the ink tank unit. Therefore, it is possible to arrange the reflecting prism 113 for detecting the presence / absence of ink and the remaining amount in the ink reservoir 108 having a relatively large space in the interior.

  And when the ink which the absorber 106 in the absorber chamber 107 has is consumed by the ink supply to the ejection port 102, the air taken in from the atmosphere communication port 112 arranged in the upper portion of the absorber chamber 107 is The ink is supplied to the ink reservoir 108 through the ink flow path 109. In this way, the ink inside the ink reservoir 108 is replaced with the air taken in from the air communication port, and the ink is replenished to the absorber chamber 107. In this way, the ink is continuously supplied to the absorber chamber 107 until the ink in the ink reservoir 108 runs out. When the ink is not replenished from the ink reservoir 108 to the absorber chamber 107, the ink is exhausted. At the same time, the negative pressure formed by the absorber 106 increases, and the ink flow resistance is increased. Will increase. As a result, it becomes difficult to supply ink to the ejection port 102, and finally recording becomes impossible. In order to prevent such a state, it is effective to arrange a reflecting prism in the ink reservoir 108.

  Here, as described above, the pressure contact member 111 in the ink supply port 110 of the ink tank unit 103 is pressed against the absorber 106, so that the repulsive force of the absorber 106 causes the ink tank unit 103 to face outward. The power to go out is working. As a result, the pressure contact is made while receiving a force pressed toward the ink inlet 116 of the recording head unit 104.

  FIG. 2 shows a state where the ink jet cartridge 101 is about to be attached to the carriage 201. FIG. 3 shows a state where the ink jet cartridge 101 is attached to the carriage 201 and the ink jet cartridge can be used. When the ink jet cartridge 101 is used, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ink jet cartridge 101 is detachably mounted on the carriage 201 on the ink jet recording apparatus main body side. After the ink jet cartridge 101 is mounted, the electrode pad 115 is disposed at a position corresponding to the electrode pin 202 on the carriage side and comes into contact therewith, so that they are electrically connected.

  An ink jet recording apparatus including the ink jet head cartridge 101 as described above is often released for general use, and it is assumed that users exist in various parts of the world. Therefore, it is desirable to assume every physical distribution environment after shipping from the factory. Manufacturers are required to guarantee quality until they reach the user's hands. Therefore, it is required to devise in packaging and packaging at the time of physical distribution of the ink jet recording apparatus.

  The present invention is characterized by a structure for sealing the ink stored in the ink tank portion 103 at the time of distribution, and this will be described below.

  FIG. 4 shows the ink jet cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows a cross-sectional view of the ink jet cartridge 301 in the form of physical distribution. A seal member 118 is bonded to a portion around the ink supply port 110, and in this embodiment, the seal member 118 is bonded by thermal welding. The seal member 118 seals the recording head portion side in the ink supply path 150 on the ink tank portion side. As a result, the seal member 118 is interposed between the pressure contact member 111 and the filter 117 in the ink supply path 150, so that the pressure contact member 111 and the filter 117 are not in contact with each other.

  Here, the recording head section side of the ink supply path 150 on the ink tank section side refers to the recording head of the ink supply path 150 on the side extending from the ink tank section 103 among the ink supply paths 150 divided by the seal member 118. It is the part side. Therefore, in this embodiment, the end of the ink supply path 150 extending from the ink tank portion 103 on the recording head portion side is sealed by being covered with the seal member 118.

  Further, the ink tank section side of the ink supply path 150 on the recording head section side is sealed by being covered with a seal member 118. Here, the ink tank portion side of the ink supply passage 150 on the recording head portion side refers to the ink supply passage 150 on the side extending toward the recording head portion 104 in the ink supply passage 150 divided by the seal member 118. This is the position on the ink tank side.

  A high-density filter 117 having a higher capillary force against ink than the pressure contact member 111 is connected to the ink supply path 150 in the recording head unit 104 without leakage of ink or air. Has been placed. As described above, in the ink jet cartridge 101, an ink flow path from the ink storage unit 108 of the ink tank unit 103 to the ejection port 102 of the recording head unit 104 is formed in the operation state. Here, a member for supplying the ink stored in the ink tank unit 103 to the recording head unit 104 such as the pressure contact member 111 or the filter 117 is referred to as an ink supply path member 130.

  The ink jet cartridge 101 includes an ink supply path member 130 that is provided in each of the ink tank unit 103 and the recording head unit 104 and connects the ink tank unit 103 and the recording head unit 104. That is, the ink jet cartridge 101 has the ink supply path members 130 on the recording head side and the ink tank side in order to supply ink from the ink tank 103 to the recording head 104.

  The seal member 118 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the ink supply path member 130 on the ink tank portion side and the ink supply path member 130 on the recording head portion side. That is, they are arranged so as to be sandwiched between the pressure contact member 111 and the filter 117.

  The seal member 118 is formed with a seal folding portion 119, and one end of the U-shaped seal member 118 is sandwiched by the seal gate 125 and reaches the outside of the ink jet cartridge (during distribution) 301. A seal tab 120 is formed at one end of the seal member 118 projecting to the outside with a length that can be picked by a user's hand. The other end of the folded seal member 118 remains inside the seal gate 125. The seal gate 125 has a narrow opening that allows the seal member 118 to protrude outside the ink jet cartridge 301 and that the seal member 118 can finally pass through in order to reduce ink evaporation. . The seal member 118 is welded to the peripheral portion of the ink supply port 110 and is stably attached to the ink jet cartridge 301 by being sandwiched vertically by the seal gate portion. In the present embodiment, the seal member 118 is affixed to the wall surface of the ink tank portion 103 in a state where the pressure contact member 111 is pushed into the absorber 106. Accordingly, since the seal member 118 can exist as a surface that is substantially the same as the surface that forms the wall surface of the ink tank portion 103 in the peripheral portion of the ink supply port 110, the seal member 118 is firmly bonded to this surface. It can be affixed.

  In this embodiment, the seal member 118 is welded to the wall surface of the ink tank portion 103 while the pressure contact member 111 is pushed into the absorber 106, so that the seal member 118 is welded to the wall surface. Space is secured. However, the arrangement of the seal member 118 is not limited to the form in which the seal member 118 is welded to the wall surface of the ink tank unit 103 as in the present embodiment.

  The seal member 118 may be disposed in a state where at least one of the ink supply path members 130 on the recording head side or the ink tank portion side is pushed into the ink tank portion side or the recording head portion side with the seal member interposed therebetween. At this time, the seal member 118 may be sandwiched and fixed in a state where the filter 117 is pushed into the recording head portion side. In this embodiment, the seal member 118 is welded to the wall surface of the ink tank portion 103 in a state where the ink supply path member 130 on the ink tank portion side is pushed into the ink tank portion side, and the ink supply path member on the ink tank portion side. It is arrange | positioned so that 130 may be covered. Thereby, an area for bonding the seal member 118 and the wall surface of the ink tank portion 103 is gained.

  The material of the seal member 118 is formed of the same or similar resin as that of the ink tank portion 103, and the seal member 118 can be thermally welded to the ink tank portion 103 by compatibility. As a material of the seal member 118, for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, or the like is applied.

  Also, an air communication port seal 121 that can be removed during use is welded to the air communication port 112 of the ink tank unit 103.

  In the present embodiment, the seal member 118 is disposed so as to cover the ink supply path member on the ink tank section side and cover the ink tank section side of the ink supply path member on the recording head section side. That is, the seal member 118 covers the pressure contact member 111 and the filter 117. A discharge port sealing member 122 is attached to the surface of the recording head unit 104 where the discharge port 102 is formed so as to cover the discharge port 102. A space including the ink supply path 150 of the ink jet cartridge 301 and the inside of the recording head unit 104 and partially defined by the seal member 118 and the discharge port seal member 122 is filled with a distribution liquid. As a result, the state in which the inside of the recording head unit 104 and the discharge port 102 are filled with the liquid for distribution is maintained during distribution.

  Since the inside of the recording head unit 104 is always exposed to a liquid such as ink when used, the surface thereof is formed of a material having corrosion resistance and durability against the liquid such as ink. However, the inside of the recording head unit 104 is not assumed to be exposed to a dry state for a long time. Therefore, if the inside of the recording head unit 104 continues to be dry, depending on the material forming the recording head unit 104, it may be possible to cause inconvenience such as deformation of the recording head unit 104. Therefore, in order not to cause such inconvenience, if there is a possibility that the material forming the recording head part does not have corrosion resistance or durability against drying, the inside of the recording head part 104 may be used for logistics. The liquid is to be stored. In this embodiment, since the distribution liquid is stored inside the recording head unit 104, the state in which the inside of the recording head unit 104 is constantly exposed to the liquid continues during distribution. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconveniences in the recording head unit 104 due to the inside of the recording head unit 104 being exposed to drying for a long time during distribution.

  In order to prevent non-volatile components and impurities due to evaporation of the distribution liquid from adhering to the vicinity of the discharge port 102 and to prevent air from entering the inside of the recording head unit 104, the discharge port seal member 122 is provided. It is stuck so as to cover the discharge port 102. At this time, the adhesive force by the discharge port seal 122 does not need to correspond to the pressure change in the ink tank unit 103, so that the ink supply path 150 is not adhered by a strong adhesive force that seals the ink supply path 150 with the seal member 118. May be. Accordingly, the adhesive is applied by an amount of the paste so that the paste applied to the sticking surface of the discharge port sealing member 122 does not remain inside the discharge port 102. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of clogging of the discharge port 102 due to the adhesive material remaining inside the discharge port 102, and it is also possible to suppress a decrease in ink landing accuracy. In order to more reliably prevent evaporation of the distribution liquid, the seal member 108 may be enlarged, or the seal member 108 may be formed so as to cover the entire inkjet cartridge. As the liquid for distribution, for example, transparent ink is filled.

  As described above, in the ink jet cartridge 301 of the present embodiment, the ink tank portion side in the ink supply path 150 is sealed by the seal member 118, so even if the seal member 118 is tightly sealed, the glue material is used to eject ink. Does not affect. Therefore, even if the ink tank unit 103 is sealed by the seal member 118, it is not necessary to reduce the ink landing accuracy. In addition, when the ink jet cartridge of the present embodiment is used, the seal member is firmly bonded to the ink tank portion 103 without being limited by the amount of the glue material, so that the ink tank due to vibration during distribution, temperature change or pressure fluctuation It can withstand pressure fluctuations inside the portion 103. Thereby, it is possible to suppress separation of the seal member 118 during distribution, and it is possible to suppress ink leakage from the ink jet cartridge. Further, since the sealed state of the ink tank unit is maintained for a long time, evaporation of the ink stored in the ink tank unit 103 can be suppressed, and the resulting decrease in ink usage and increase in ink viscosity are suppressed. be able to. Therefore, when the user who purchased the ink jet cartridge of the present embodiment opens the package, a product in which quality is maintained immediately after shipment from the factory can be supplied to the user.

  When using the ink jet cartridge of this embodiment, first, the atmosphere communication port seal 121 is peeled off. Next, the tank seal tab 120 is pulled out, and the seal member 118 is removed from the inkjet cartridge 301. As a result, since there is no support for the pressure contact member 111, the pressure contact member 111 is slid by being pushed out by receiving stress from the absorber 106 and comes into contact with the filter 117 of the ink inlet 116. Further, since the seal member 118 is peeled after the atmosphere communication port seal 121 is peeled off, the seal member 118 is removed after the atmosphere communication port 112 communicates and the pressure inside the ink tank unit 103 is balanced with the atmospheric pressure. It will be peeled off. Accordingly, the recording head unit 104 communicates with the ink tank unit 103 after the pressure inside the ink tank unit 103 is once reduced. As a result, the pressure inside the ink tank unit 103 increases during distribution, and the ink inside the ink tank unit 103 is introduced into the recording head unit 104 in a state where the pressure is high as it is, so that the discharge port 102 of the recording head unit 104 Ink leakage can be suppressed. The order in which the seals are peeled off may be indicated to the user by displaying them on the ink jet cartridge, or may be explained to the user by describing them in a manual. In addition, the user may be notified by another method.

  At this time, since the pressure contact member 118 is pressed from the absorber 106, the pressure contact member 118 and the filter 117 are in pressure contact. Accordingly, the pressure contact member 118 and the filter 117 guide the ink to the recording head unit 104 while maintaining the negative pressure formed by the absorber 106, and the ink can be supplied to the ejection port 102. In this state, the ink can be discharged by removing the discharge port sealing member 122.

  In order to keep the ink tank portion 103 sealed, both the seal member 118 that seals the ink supply path 150 and the air communication port seal 121 that seals the air communication port 112 are attached with a stronger adhesive force. It is better to be sealed. As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to improve the adhesive force by performing the sealing with the seal member 118 that has been limited so far in the ink supply path 150. Further, since the adhesive force is improved, the adhesion state is maintained regardless of the change in the pressure inside the ink tank portion 103, whereby the sealed state in the ink tank portion 103 is maintained even during distribution. Here, if the adhesive force by the atmosphere communication port seal 121 does not change even if the adhesion force of the seal member 118 is increased, the atmosphere communication port seal 121 may be peeled off due to an increase in pressure inside the ink tank portion 103. Yes, there is a risk of ink leaking from there. Therefore, if the adhesive force of the seal member 118 is increased, it is desirable that the adhesive force of the air communication port seal 121 is also increased accordingly.

(Second embodiment)
Next, the physical distribution form of the ink jet cartridge in the second embodiment will be described. In addition, about the part which can be comprised similarly to said 1st embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected in a figure, description is abbreviate | omitted, and only a different part is demonstrated.

  FIG. 5 shows a physical distribution form 401 of the ink jet cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the seal member 126 in the second embodiment, a seal folding portion 119 is formed, where the seal member 126 is folded in a U shape, and the seal member 126 is heated around the ink supply port 110 of the ink tank portion 103. It is welded. When the seal member 126 folded by the seal folding portion 119 reaches the seal gate portion 125, one of the seal members 126 extends in the direction perpendicular to the same plane with respect to the extending direction of the seal member 126 (the front and back direction of the drawing in the drawing). . In the present embodiment, among the seal members 126 that are folded and overlapped, the seal member that is disposed on the recording head portion side is orthogonal to the direction in which the seal member 126 extends from the seal gate portion 125 in the same plane. It extends in the direction to do. From there, it extends along the side surface of the ink jet cartridge 401, and is integrated with an air communication port seal 121 that seals to cover the air communication port 112. In addition, a tab 151 is formed at one end of the atmosphere communication port seal 121 to be picked when the user peels off the air communication port seal 121 when using the inkjet cartridge 401.

  If the sealing member 126 of this embodiment is used, in addition to the effect demonstrated in 1st embodiment, the effort which a user peels off multiple types of seals can be saved. This is because the atmosphere communication port seal 121 and the seal member 126 are integrally formed, and therefore, if the air communication port seal 121 is peeled off, the seal member 126 is naturally peeled off.

  Further, since the tab 151 is formed on the atmosphere communication port seal 121 side, when the seal member 126 is peeled off, the air communication port seal 121 is always removed first, and then the seal member 126 is peeled off. In the first embodiment, first, the air communication port seal is peeled off, and then the seal member is peeled off, so that the user is notified by writing in the ink jet cartridge or in a manual. However, in this embodiment, if the step of picking the tab 151 and removing the seal in which the atmosphere communication port seal 121 and the seal member 126 are integrated is performed, the seal is naturally peeled in this order. Therefore, even if the order of peeling the seals is not explained to the user, if the seals are peeled off as usual, the seals are peeled off in the predetermined order, so that the user does not need to be aware of the order and the handling becomes easy. . In the present embodiment, the order of removing the seals may be notified to the user by writing on the ink jet cartridge or in a manual.

  In addition, since the number of parts of the seal product is reduced, it is not necessary for the seal members, which become trash after being peeled off, to be collected together.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the seal member 126 disposed on the recording head portion side among the folded and overlapped seal members 126 is integrated with the atmosphere communication port seal 121, so that the seal member 126 is peeled off. When being welded, the unwelded portion is pulled first. Therefore, first, the portion of the seal member 126 that is not welded moves toward the seal gate portion 125, and then the welded portion is pulled through the portion that is not welded and gradually peeled off. At this time, since the welded portion pulled first has already moved toward the seal gate portion 125, the portion on the recording head side of the seal member 126 is loosened. Since the welded portion is pulled by the loose portion, it is pulled with a component in the ink ejection direction (vertical direction). Therefore, the seal member 126 can be peeled relatively easily. If the ease of peeling of the seal member 126 is not taken into consideration, the seal member 126 disposed on the ink tank portion side among the folded and overlapped seal members 126 is integrated with the air communication port seal 121. It's also good. Further, a single seal member may be integrated with the atmosphere communication port seal 121 without being folded back.

  In the present embodiment, the length of the seal member 126 extending from the seal gate portion 125 in the direction perpendicular to the same plane with respect to the direction in which the seal member 126 extends is the seal in the direction in which the seal member 126 extends. Only the length of the gate 125 is set. Then, the seal member 126 corresponding to this length extends along the inkjet cartridge 401 and is integrated with the atmosphere communication port seal 121. In other words, the width of the seal member 126 extending along the ink jet cartridge 401 is set to the length of the seal gate 125 in the direction in which the seal member 126 extends between the ink supply path members 130. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, in order to suppress evaporation of ink stored in the ink tank unit 103, the width of the seal member 126 that extends along the inkjet cartridge 401 is further increased. You may do it. Further, the seal member 126 may cover the entire inkjet cartridge 401 in the direction in which the seal member 126 extends. Further, although the seal member 126 is integrated with the atmosphere communication port seal 121, they may be bonded together.

(Third embodiment)
Next, the physical distribution form of the ink jet cartridge in the third embodiment will be described. In addition, about the part which can be comprised similarly to said 1st embodiment or 2nd embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected in a figure, description is abbreviate | omitted, and only a different part is demonstrated.

  FIG. 6 shows a distribution form 501 of the ink jet cartridge according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The seal member 127 of this embodiment is formed of an elastomer. A compressed elastomer seal member 127 is disposed in an ink supply path 150 between the ink supply port 110 and the recording head unit 104 in the ink tank unit 103.

  As a material for the seal member 127 formed of an elastomer, chlorinated butyl rubber or hydrogenated nitrile rubber (H-NBR) having high gas barrier properties is suitable, but a resin-based elastomer can also be used. The seal member 127 protrudes to the outside of the ink jet cartridge 501, and a tab 128 is formed at the end of the seal member 127 with a length that can be picked by the user's hand.

  If the seal member 127 of the present embodiment is used, the seal member 127 is disposed in the ink supply path 150 by press-fitting an elastomer having elasticity. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the ink jet cartridge of this embodiment has an effect that the ink supply path 150 is easily sealed by omitting the bending process of the seal member. In addition, when a large amount of sticking of the seal member is performed, it may be performed by a machine, but it is a difficult process for the machine to bend and pick a thin film-like seal member and stick it to a predetermined position of the recording head unit. Become. Since such a process is replaced by press-fitting of the elastomer, the machine that performs the sticking process of the seal member may be a machine that performs a simple operation, and the process of sticking the seal member can be performed at low cost.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, the physical distribution form of the ink jet cartridge in the fourth embodiment will be described. In addition, about the part which can be comprised similarly to said 1st embodiment thru | or 3rd embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected in a figure, description is abbreviate | omitted, and only a different part is demonstrated.

  FIG. 7 shows a physical distribution form 601 of the ink jet cartridge according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  In the inkjet cartridge 601 of this embodiment, the recording head unit 104 is not filled with a distribution liquid. In the first embodiment, in order to keep the inside of the recording head unit exposed to the liquid at the time of distribution, the distribution liquid is stored inside the recording head unit. However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the recording head unit 104 is shipped in a dry state. Accordingly, the discharge port sealing member 122 becomes unnecessary. Since there is no distribution liquid inside the recording head unit 104 during distribution, it is not necessary to cope with leakage or evaporation of distribution liquid during distribution, and the packaging of the ink jet cartridge 601 may be simpler. Therefore, since the ink jet cartridge 601 can be packed at a low cost during distribution, the shipping cost of the ink jet cartridge 601 can be suppressed.

  In the first embodiment, if there is a possibility that the material forming the recording head portion does not have corrosion resistance or durability against drying, the distribution liquid is sealed inside the recording head portion and the discharge port is discharged. It was set as the structure closed with the sealing member for exits. However, if it is confirmed that the material forming the recording head portion has corrosion resistance and durability against drying, liquid should not be sealed inside the recording head portion as in this embodiment. It is also good.

  The material for the recording head is selected according to cost, application, or other factors. The presence / absence of the distribution liquid in the recording head unit may be selected according to the material of the selected recording head unit.

  Note that, as in the ink jet cartridge 601 of this embodiment, the configuration in which the liquid for distribution is not filled in the recording head unit 104 may be applied to the second embodiment or the third embodiment.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, the physical distribution form of the ink jet cartridge in the fifth embodiment will be described. In addition, about the part which can be comprised similarly to said 1st embodiment thru | or 4th embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected in a figure, description is abbreviate | omitted, and only a different part is demonstrated.

  FIG. 8 shows a physical distribution form 701 of the ink jet cartridge according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  In the ink jet cartridge of the first embodiment, the seal gate 125 has a narrow opening that can pass through like the seal member 118, so that evaporation of ink can be suppressed to a small extent. However, in this embodiment, the sealing frame member 152 formed of an elastomer is disposed in a state where the sealing member 118 is pressed so as to surround the ink supply path 150. In the present embodiment, the seal member 118 does not need to contact the seal gate 125 to suppress ink evaporation, and the seal gate 125 is open.

  The sealing frame member 152 has elasticity, and is fixed by being sandwiched while being compressed by the wall surface constituting the recording head unit 104 and the sealing member 118. Thereby, the sealing performance in the ink supply path 150 is further improved, and the evaporation of the ink stored in the ink tank portion 103 is further suppressed. Therefore, when the ink jet cartridge 701 reaches the user's hand, it is possible to suppress the decrease in ink and the resulting increase in ink viscosity, and to provide the user with the ink jet cartridge 701 while maintaining high quality. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, the sealing frame member 152 is formed in a tubular shape, and becomes a part of the ink supply path member 130 after the sealing member 118 is removed. A part of the supply path 150 is formed. The sealing frame material 152 defines a flow path through which ink can flow. The sealing frame material 152 remains in the same position as it is, and quickly comes into close contact with the periphery of the ink supply port 110 in the ink tank portion 103 by an elastic action.

  In this embodiment, the seal gate 125 is opened. However, the seal member 118 may be brought into contact with the seal gate 125 to further suppress ink evaporation. Further, the sealing frame member 152 according to the present embodiment may be applied to the second, third, and fourth embodiments. Further, in the present embodiment, the liquid for distribution is not filled in the recording head unit 104 as in the fourth embodiment, and the discharge port sealing member 122 is unnecessary, but as in the first embodiment. The recording head unit 104 may be filled with a distribution liquid. Further, in addition to the seal gate 125 in the first embodiment, the sealing frame material 152 of the present embodiment may be disposed.

It is sectional drawing of the ink jet cartridge of the state after the seal member was peeled in 1st embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the ink jet cartridge of FIG. 1 is about to be attached to a carriage on the main body side of the ink jet recording apparatus. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a state after the ink jet cartridge of FIG. 1 is attached to a carriage on the ink jet recording apparatus main body side. It is sectional drawing of the inkjet cartridge at the time of physical distribution in 1st embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the inkjet cartridge at the time of physical distribution in 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the inkjet cartridge at the time of physical distribution in 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the inkjet cartridge at the time of physical distribution in 4th embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the inkjet cartridge at the time of physical distribution in 5th embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows one form of the conventional inkjet cartridge. It is sectional drawing which shows the state at the time of physical distribution in another form of the conventional inkjet cartridge.

Explanation of symbols

101, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701 Inkjet cartridge 102 Ejection port 103 Ink tank unit 104 Recording head unit 106 Absorber 111 Pressure contact member 112 Atmospheric communication port 118, 126 Seal member 121 Atmospheric communication port seal 130 Ink supply path member 150 Ink supply path 152 Sealing frame material

Claims (7)

An ink tank for containing ink;
A recording head unit that is supplied with ink stored in the ink tank unit and discharges the supplied ink;
Each ink supply path member provided in each of the ink tank section and the recording head section, for connecting the ink tank section and the recording head section and supplying ink from the ink tank section to the recording head section In an inkjet cartridge having
An ink jet cartridge, wherein a seal member is disposed between an ink supply path member on the ink tank portion side and an ink supply path member on the recording head portion side.   2. The inkjet according to claim 1, wherein the seal member is disposed in a state in which at least one of the ink supply path members is pushed into the ink tank portion side or the recording head portion side with the seal member interposed therebetween. cartridge.   The seal member is attached to the wall surface of the ink tank part in a state where the ink supply path member on the ink tank part side is pushed into the ink tank part side, and is disposed so as to cover the ink supply path member on the ink tank part side. The inkjet cartridge according to claim 2. The seal member is disposed so as to cover the ink supply path member on the ink tank part side and to cover the ink tank part side of the ink supply path member on the recording head part side,
In the recording head unit, an ejection port that is opened so as to eject ink supplied from the ink tank unit is formed, and an ejection port seal member is disposed so as to cover the ejection port,
The inkjet cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a space partially defined by the seal member and the discharge port seal member is filled with a distribution liquid.   4. The ink jet cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the inside of the recording head portion is in a dry state without being filled with a liquid. The ink tank part is formed with an air communication port for communicating between the inside of the ink tank part and the outside of the ink jet cartridge.
The ink jet cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the seal member extends along the ink jet cartridge so as to cover the atmosphere communication port.   After the seal member is removed, the ink supply path member becomes a part of the ink supply path member to define a flow path through which the ink can flow, and the elastic sealing frame member presses the seal member in a state where the seal member is pressed. The ink jet cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the ink jet cartridge is disposed so as to cover the supply path member.

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